Desexing is the surgical removal of a pet's reproductive organs so that they can no longer reproduce. It is considered a routine procedure and at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital this operation is performed for both male and female pets. This procedure is performed whilst you pet is under general anaesthetic (asleep). Before they wake up they are given 24 hour pain relief so they do not feel any pain. By getting your pet desexed at 5-6 months of age, you are assisting in the reduction of unwanted animals which are euthinased each year. Other benefits include;

Health benefits

1. Reduces risk of getting reproductive cancers and diseases. In females desexing before their first cycle reduces the risk of cancers later in life by 97%. Female cancers can include ovarian cancer, mammary cancer and cervical cancer. With each cycle the risk increases, with 1 in 4 animals developing one or more of these cancers. Prostate and testicular cancer affects 25% of adult male dogs.

2. Females can suffer from physical and nutritional exhaustion if continually breeding.

3. Pets generally live longer and healthier lives once desexed, many because they stop roaming and fighting with other animals.

Behavioural benefits

1. Pets are less prone to wander, fight, and are less likely to get lost or injured.

2. Reduces territorial behaviour such as spraying indoors.

3. Less likely to suffer from anti-social behaviors such as aggression.

4. It does not change your pets personality, but they often become more affectionate and become better companions.

5. Eliminates "heat" cycles in female cats and their efforts to get outside in search for a mate.